2024 will be a terrible year for all those people who are horrified when the same tweet mixes English with Spanish and even Latin expressions! I no longer tell you when you solidify everything with a base of Catalan. Tough times for linguistic purism I suppose. And if we already write, speak and laugh in three, four or five languages at the same time on the peninsula, why would our music be different? The new wave of Catalan artists are here to claim what is theirs and put on stage the identity that they already defend on the streets, based on a fusion of genres, feelings and a lot of partying.
If you don’t have her on your radar, write down: Irma Farelo, aka The mush, the obsession of any party this year. What could be a step of nepotism from Bad Gyal’s little sister has been a clear demonstration of talent and tireless work. After two years winning fans with every bar she uttered, and a brilliant mixtape as a precedent (“Tas Loko Mixtape”), from Maresme, has released her first album, “SexySensible”. Twenty-five minutes to literally get sexy and sensitive between reggaeton beats, some jersey, touches of electronic club and an introduction worthy of a great filly.
A presentation that is at the same time a great festival of desire and longing. Without complexes and with his head held high. With the help of her regular collaborator, and one of the key players in this new Catalan scene, Roots, she has managed to portray her stories with a lesbian vision that we had rarely heard in Catalan, but that are increasingly gaining more presence in the urban scene. In his nine courts there is a little of everything: dances with “Habibi” or jumping in that metallic and sunny sweater from “Charnega”the already celebrated “The disguise”, premiered at the Gallery Sessions, with its funk melody and auto-tuned voice that takes us to “Random Access Memories” by Daft Punk. We can also enjoy the appearance of her twin Greta, who usually accompanies her to the choirs. And there’s even room for a great pop ballad with dreamlike touches in “Between the smoke”.
“SexySensible” It makes urban sound fresh again and Catalan younger than ever. Maybe we hadn’t asked for it but we didn’t know how much we needed to put our asses on the back of our heads while saying one of the most purely Catalan phrases on the album: “I don’t know if you miss me or not.” The mush She is going to be your new artist to flirt with, and dance, get a little melancholic, but also have some cigars with friends this summer. And if you don’t believe it, press play and try not to be humming all day.